Projects

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Giving Hand-sewn Clothes the Store Bought Polish

I've bought a yard of this Robin's Egg Blue fabric years ago on clearance. It's a thick woven cotton and is actually upholstery fabric, but I thought it would be great for a skirt. I used Simplicity 2451 view C.

The pattern was straight-forward, easy to follow and fit her well.

I added a few steps to make it the finished skirt look more polished and less like a Home-Ec project.

Here's some tips:

Topstitching:Topstitching is a row of stitching close to the seam of the garment.I think it just makes your garment look more crisp and professional.

You can buy special presser feet for you machine to help you sew straight (Bernina #10). I actually use #5, which is meant for blind hems, but it works great for top-stitching too and it came free with my machine. I just line up the blade along the seam and move my needle to the far left and sew. Perfect stitching every time. If you don't want to invest in a special foot, just take your time.

You can even use a different color thread for a design element (for example, white thread on navy).

Add your own style elements:I just used a piece of leftover fabric to make a quick bow (cut out a rectangle, sew right sides together, gather in the middle with fabric strip) for the kick pleat. I don't know if I could pull wearing a bow off, but she is 14 and I think works for her.

She wore the skirt to church with Cutest Blouse Ever. I loved that she felt cute and that the entire outfit only cost me about $7.

For all my sewing tips, please check out my Sewing 101 series.To see where I link up or to add your party, please click here.

Such a cute skirt...I love the little bow in the back. Also didn't know there was a special foot to help sew straight. I've gotta pick that up!

My sister and I host a joint party and we'd love for you to join us. When you link up at one site, it shows up on both my blog and my sister's blog too...double exposure!! http://www.saving4six.com/2012/10/welcome-to-think-tank-thursday-2.html

Great tips! I agree top stitching makes all the difference. I love that little bow! I'd love for you to share this at my link party. http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/2012/10/terrific-tuesdays-38.htmlRachel

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